Camrose police say there is not enough evidence to pursue criminal charges after an investigation into social media content targeting female students at Camrose Composite High School earlier this year. “The investigation, initiated in June, involved extensive investigative steps, including interviews with individuals and their families, a review of digital evidence, and the gathering of information from those directly involved and affected. Based on the evidence available, there is insufficient evidence to proceed with criminal charges,” Camrose Police Service (CPS) said in a statement posted to Facebook on Tuesday. “The Camrose Police Service recognizes that this matter generated significant public interest. However, investigative decisions must be based on evidence, applicable law, and standards.” The social media content at the centre of the case consisted of “deeply concerning and harmful language,” the police service and Battle River School Division said at the time. Neither ever said how many students were affected, nor who was being investigated. The police service also said in June that there was “no indication that the individuals involved in the group chat were planning to carry out physical harm toward the female students listed in the messages at the time they were exchanged, nor has any information been identified to suggest an ongoing or current risk of physical violence.” According to the Tuesday update from CPS, the affected students and families were supported throughout the investigation and school administration created a plan for their safe return to school. CTV News Edmonton reached out to the school division for more detail and the results of its own investigation into the incident. In June, about 50 students walked out of school in a protest, with several saying they felt uncomfortable in the school at the time. Camrose is about 90 kilometres southeast of Edmonton.
